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Youth program wins praise for reducing crime

A youth program that offers jobs, mentoring, and therapy to kids from Chicago’s crime-infested neighborhoods wins praise Tuesday for dramatically reducing arrests.

1,600 kids in grades eight through twelve are taking part in the “2012 One Summer Plus” program.

The University of Chicago Crime Lab analyzed the program, and found there was a 51% drop in arrests for violent crimes.

“51% reduction is not a statistical error. That’s an overwhelming fact. And therefore, we’re going to be doubling down on that fact, and investing in a way that will partner with all the hard work that the men and women of the police department are doing. We will partner and make their effort, their work all that much easier,” said Mayor Emanuel about the program.

The program costs $1.2 million, but an $800,000 grant from Walmart helped cover the tab. Emanuel says he will approach other companies about helping the successful program.